Improvisation

Albert Ayler – Witches & Devils

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz

Vibe: Passionate, Kinetic, Transcendent, Flowing, Free, Responsive, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Acoustic, Dynamic, Instrumental

Don Cherry – Where is Brooklyn

Personnel:
Don Cherry – Cornet, Pharaoh Sanders – Tenor Sax, Piccolo; Henry Grimes – Upright Bass; Ed Blackwell – Drums

Style: Free Jazz

Moods: Driving, Energetic, Urban, Communal, Passionate, Playful, Chaotic

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Improvisation, Complex, Acoustic, Rhythmic, Dissonant, Extended Technique

Bardo Pond | Yo La Tengo – Parallelograms

Style: Free Psych, Shoegaze, Space Rock, Noise Rock, Jam Band

Moods: Mysterious, Desert, Nocturnal, Cathartic, Cryptic, Primordial, Murky, Ethereal, Lethargic, Meandering, Melancholy, Hypnotic

Musical Qualities: Washy, Collective Improvisation, Fuzzy, Repetitive, Jams, Slow, Droney, Noisy, Climactic, Riffs

David Grubbs – The Plain Where the Palace Stood

Style: Avant-Rock, Experimental Songwriter

Moods: Cryptic, Knotty, Philosophical, Deconstructed, Angular, Enigmatic, Mysterious, Moody, Contemplative, Suspenseful, Surreal, Reflective

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Complex, Progressive, Improvisation, Resonant

Bardo Pond – On the Ellipse

Style: Free Psych, Space Rock Revival, Acid Folk, Shoegaze

Moods: Melancholy Nocturnal,, Searching, Lethargic, Stoned, Sombre, Lonely, Cathartic, Suspenseful

Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Riffs, Fuzzy, Climactic, Washy, Improvisation, Loose, Noisy

Sunburned Hand of the Man – Wedlock

Style: Free Psych, Free Folk, Sound Collage, Experimental, Jam Band

Moods: Celebratory, Communal, Joyful, Earthy, Exploratory, Ritualistic, Playful, Meandering, Uplifting, Sunny, Whimsical, Psychedelic, Spontaneous, Tribal

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lo-Fi, Collage, Field Recordings, Spoken Word, Jams, Acoustic, Raw

Jackie-O Motherfucker – Flags of the Sacred Harp

Style: Free-Folk, Weird Americana

Moods: Weary, Melancholy, Pastoral, Communal, Tender, Meandering, Bittersweet, Hopeful, Rustic, Haunting, Murky, Rainy, Sombre, Rootsy

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Vocal Harmonies, Droney, Thematic, Loose

Angel Bat David – The Oracle

Style: Organic Beat Music, Bedroom Gospel, Spiritual Jazz

Moods: Heartfelt, Raw, Sombre, Spiritual, Flowing, Passionate, Mournful, Mysterious, Haunting, Cathartic, Eclectic

Musical Qualities: Home Recording, Collage, Beats, Improvisation, Solo, Loose, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lo-fi

Instrumentation: Clarinet, Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion, Drums

The Futuristic Folk of The Tower Recordings [Vol. 1 & 2]

These ceremonial meanderings are the interrupted transmissions of campfire songs picked up by intergalactic satellites. Past and future collapse as old-timey banjo melodies fade into squiggly synthesizers and lo-fi electronics. Distant harmonicas sink behind thick fogs of ghostly whirring, while warped slide guitar, drone fiddle and echo percussion bubble through the folky primordial soup

Isotope 217ยฐ – Utonian_Automatic

Rob Mazurek, Dan Bitney, Jeff Parker, John Herndon & Matt Lux

Style: Cyber-Jazz, Future Dub, Jazz Fission, Abstract Groove, Post-Rock

Moods: Futuristic, Playful, Spacey, Driving, Mechanical, Abstract, Groovy, Surreal, Suspenseful

Instrumentation: Cornet, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Electric Bass

Seven Rivers of Fire – Way of the Pilgrim

“Way of the Pilgrim” unfolds as a 4-movement suite of dark acoustic summoning rituals, spiritually connected to a mystical lineage of wyrd-folk practitioners through the ages. That strangely familiar feeling of being lost in the woods, of venturing into the archetypal unknown, pervades the atmosphere right from the opening… [Click for full review]

Recommended if you dig Six Organs of Admittance, Fursaxa, Robbie Basho, Third Ear Band

John Abercrombie – Timeless

Personnel: John Abercrombie – Electric & Acoustic Guitars; Jack DeJohnette – Drums; Jan Hammer – Organ, Synthesizer, Piano

Style: Jazz Fusion

Vibe: Epic, Triumphant, Spacey, Bombastic, Pastoral (A2, B2, B3), Energetic

Musical Qualities: Shred, Rhythmic, Instrumental, Groovy, Progressive, Technical, Improvisation, Complex, Dynamic

Rob Mazurek – Alternate Moon Cycles

Style: Ambient Jazz, Minimalism, Drone

Moods: Peaceful, Meditative, Elegant, Patient, Soothing, Nocturnal, Focused, Ritualistic

Musical Qualities: Slow, Sparse, Minimalistic, Lo-fi, Thematic, Improvisation, Live

Harold Land – A New Shade of Blue

Personnel & Instrumentation:
Harold Land, Tenor Saxophone; Bobby Hutcherson, Vibes; Buster Williams, Upright Bass; Bill Henderson, Piano & Electric Piano; Billy Hart, Drums; Mtume, Conga

Robin Kenyatta – Girl From Martinique

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Avant Garde Jazz Fusion

Moods: Mysterious, Earthy, Searching, Groovy, Exploratory

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Acoustic, Thematic

Instrumentation: Flute, Alto Saxophone, Clavinet, Piano, Upright Bass, Drums

Wet Tuna – Water Weird

Style: Country-Psych, Folk-Funk, Jam Band

Vibe: Aquatic, Summer, Warm, Groovy, Spacey, Laid Back, Playful, Stoned

Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Atmospheric, Improvisation, Loose, Lo-Fi

ล iromย – Uteko?injeni prestol preprostih (The Liquified Throne of Simplicity)

Style: “Imaginary Folk”, Ritual Folk, Psychedelic Minimalism

Moods: Mysterious, Ritualistic, Earthy, Tribal, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Mystical, Sombre, Surreal

Musical Qualities: Percussive, Microtonal, Polyphonic, Improvisation, Acoustic, Complex, Uncommon Time Signatures, Repetitive, Instrumental

Instrumentation: Guimbri, Banjo, Frame Drum, Viola, Hurdy Gurdy, Tampura, Balafon, Chimes, Lute, Lyre, Ribab, Mizmar

Ulaan Passerine – Sun Spar

Style: Shadow Americana, Free Folk, Country-Drone, Post-Rock

Moods: Western, Haunting, Ritualistic, Impressionistic, Meditative, Rustic, Cinematic

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Instrumental, Droney, Atmospheric

Charalambides – Market Square

Style: Drone, Free Folk, Post-Rock

Moods: Bleak, Depressive, Nocturnal, Uneasy, Urban, Raw, Hypnotic, Dark, Ominous, Ragged, Ethereal, Death, Suspenseful, Intimate, Murky, Western

Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Lo-Fi, Improvisation, Sparse, Repetitive, Droney, Atmospheric

Jessica Moss – Galaxy Heart

Styles: Chamber Drone, Electro-Acoustic, Free Improvisation, Post-Rock

Moods: Apocalyptic, Sombre, Cathartic, Nature, Exploratory, Spiritual, Angsty, Anthemic, Aquatic, Brooding, cathartic, Heartfelt, Mournful, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Droney, Electro-Acoustic, Thematic, Repetitive, Loops, Fuzzy

Joyfultalk – Familiar Science

Style: Cyber-Jazz, Progressive Electronic, Jazz Fission

Vibe: Futuristic, Colorful, Abstract, Playful

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Complex, Improvisation, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive, Sampling

Shabaka – Afrikan Culture

Style: New Age, Spiritual Jazz

Moods: Meditative, Devotional, Soothing, Mellow, Flowing, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Improvisation, Instrumental, Atmospheric

Instrumentation: Shakuhachi, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Harp, Flute, Synthesizers, Percussion, Kora

Charalambides – Joy Shapes

Style: Free Folk, Drone, Avant-Folk

Vibe: Nocturnal, Shadowy, Cautious, Hypnotic, Ritualistic, Eerie, Existential, Murky, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Droney, Improvisation, Loops, Slow, Loose, Dissonant, Chants, Atmospheric

Osjan – Roots

Style: Free Folk, Organic Music, Progressive Folk, Psychedelic Chamber Music

Moods: Ritualistic, Ancient, Flowing, Tribal, Earthy, Communal, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Medieval, Mysterious, Mystical, Nocturnal

Musical Qualities: Percussive, Collective Improvisation, ?Acoustic, Suite, Thematic, Progressive, Atmospheric, Repetitive

John Surman – Upon Reflection

Style: Post-Minimalism, Ambient Jazz, Folk-Jazz, ECM Style

Moods: Meditative, Pastoral, Futuristic, Mysterious, Impressionistic, Hypnotic, Soothing, Searching

Musical Qualities: Electro-Acoustic, Minimalist, Instrumental, Pulse, Solo

Instrumentation: soprano saxophone,ย baritone saxophone,ย bass clarinet,ย synthesizer

Joshua Abrams’ Cloud Script

Style: Post-Bop

Moods: Elegant, Intertwined, Airy, Longing, Responsive, Tender, Peaceful, Communal

Musical Qualities: Ballads, Improvisation, Thematic, Acoustic, Melodic, Complex

Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Tenor Saxophone, Electric Guitar, Drums

Sandy Bull – Inventions

Styles: Free-Folk, Jazz-Folk, Classical Guitar, Country Blues

Moods: Searching, Impressionistic, Hypnotic, Meditative, Exploratory, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Acoustic, Improvisation, Virtuosic

Alabaster DePlume – GOLD

Style: Art Pop, Spiritual Jazz, Dub Poetry, Collage Pop

Moods: Triumphant, Conversational, Uplifting, Conscious, Communal, Heartfelt, Passionate, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Intimate, Intricate, Playful, Rebellious, Love, Poetic, Reflective, Soothing, Spiritual, Warm,

Musical Qualities: Suite, Improvisation, Analogue Recording, Tape Edits, Dub Production, Sound Collage, Thematic, Polished, Catchy

Instrumentation: Saxophone, Spoken Word, Upright Bass, Drums, Group Vocals, Tabla, Synthesizers, Percussion, Guitar, Cello

Mary Halvorson – Amaryllis & Belladonna

Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Post-Bop, Chamber Jazz, Prog

Moods: Adventurous, Enigmatic, Triumphant, Knotty, Ambitious, Intertwined, Cerebral, Angular, Surreal, Off-Kilter

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Thematic Improvisation, Progressive Structures, Uncommon Time Signature, Instrumental, Intertwined, Lush. Technical

Anteloper – Pink Dolphin

Style: Jazz Fission, Psychedelic Jazz, Abstract Groove

Moods: Aquatic, Cosmic, Colorful, Futuristic, Triumphant, Mysterious, Playful, Exploratory, Surreal, Impressionistic

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Complex, Rhythmic

Eli Winter – Eli Winter

ft. jaimie branch, Tyler Damon, Sam Wagster, Cameron Knowler, David Grubbs, Ryley Walker, & Yasmin Williams

FFO: Jim O’Rourke (Bad Timing / The Visitor), William Tyler, Ry Cooder Instrumentals, Gastr Del Sol, Elkhorn, Moon Bros, Appalachian Folk, Leo Kottke, Jack Rose

Sรฉlรจne Saint-Aimรฉ – Potomitan

Style: Avant-garde Chamber Jazz, Afro-Carribean Jazz, Gwoka

Moods/Themes: Ancestry, Ritualistic, Meditative, Hypnotic, Communal, Rootsy, Poetic, Sombre, Elegant, Flowing, Warm, Mystical

Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Acoustic, Repetitive, Improvisation, Technical

Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Bรจlรจ Drum, Ka Drum, Trumpet, Tenor Saxophone, Vocals, Cello, Violin

Sun Ra – Nothing Is…

Style: Cosmic Jazz, Free Space Music

Feelings: Exploratory, Cosmic, Forest, Mysterious, Abstract, Intense, Energetic, Spacey, Surreal, Warm

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Acoustic, Polyphonic, Dense, Live Performance, Dissonant, Complex, Dynamic

Rich Ruth – I Survived, It’s Over

Style: Kosmische Jazz, Progressive Electronic, New Age

Vibe: Healing, Cosmic, Warm, Ethereal, Colorful, Uplifting, Spiritual, Exploratory, Heartfelt, Soothing

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Repetitive, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Atmospheric, Instrumental

Instrumentation: Keyboards, Synthesizers, Upright Bass, Saxophone, Electric Guitar, Drums, Flute, Harp

Eric Chenaux – Say Laura

Style: Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Warped Folk Ballads

Vibe: Gentle, Woozy, Romantic, Reflective, Intertwined, Poetic, Warm

Musical Qualities: Crooning Vocals, Improvised Experimental Guitar, Looping

Rangda – Formerly Extinct

Style: Psychedelic Math Rock, Free Rock

Vibe: Desert, Serpentine, Epic, Adventure, Intertwined, Energetic, Bombastic, Mystical

Musical Qualities: Shredding, Riffs, Improvisation, Dynamic, Instrumental, Uncommon Time Signatures, Noisy

Sunburned Circle – The Blaze Game

Style: Ritual-Psych, Free Rock, Krautrock

Vibe: Witchy, Ritualistic, Fiery, Tribal, Cathartic, Free, Hypnotic, Mysterious, Mystical, Primal, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Suite, Repetitive, Live, Collective Improvisation, Lo-fi, Percussive, Growling Vocals

Fursaxa – Mycorrhizae Realm

Style: Free-Folk, Ritual-Drone

Vibe: Nature, Mystical, Ritualistic, Dreamy, Forest, Hallucinogenic, Nocturnal, Hypnotic, Sombre

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Droney, Repetitive, Mantra, Electroacoustic

Instrumentation: Harmonium, Vocals, Guitar, Harp, Cello, Flute

George Duke – The Inner Source

Style: Jazz Fusion, Cosmic Jazz-Funk

Vibe: Spacey, Sunny, Warm, Spiritual, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Groovy, Instrumental, Melodic

Charles Mingus – Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus

Style: Post-Bop, Progressive Big Band

Vibe: Elegant, Romantic, Nocturnal, Bustling, Passionate, Warm, Complex, Energetic

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Progressive, Dense, Technical, Acoustic, Improvisation, Lush, Melodic

James Blood – Tales of Captain Black

Style: Free Funk, Avant-Garde Jazz, Abstract Groove, No Wave

Vibe: Frenetic, Knotty, Disjointed, Funky, Angular, Chaotic, Triumphant, Playful, Energetic, Free, Manic, Bombastic

Musical Qualities: Harmolodic, Polyphonic, Polyrhythmic, Collective Improvisation, Dissonant, Uncommon Time Signatures, Instrumental

Sunburned Hand of the Man – Complexion

Style: Free Psych

Vibe: Exploratory, Ritualistic, Primal, Hallucinogenic, Amorphous, Murky, Tribal, Meandering, Communal, Chaotic

Musical Qualities: Live, Collective Improvisation, Lo-Fi, Dub Fx, Tape Collage, Noisy, Dissonant

Dirty Three – Ocean Songs

Style: Chamber Rock, Slowcore, Post-Rock

Vibe: Aquatic, Melancholy, Flowing, Patient, Soothing, Meditative, Longing, Lonely, Dreamy, Mellow, Lethargic

Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Loose, Soft, Instrumental, Loops, Improvisation

Instrumentation: Violin, Drums, Electric Guitar, Loops, Melodica, Piano, Harmonica

Matana Roberts / Pat Thomas – The Truth

Style: Free Jazz

Vibe: Spiritual, Conversational, Searching, Abstract, Intertwined

Musical Qualities: Duo Improvisation, Dynamic, Instrumental, Acoustic, Loose, Live Recording, Repetition, Dissonant, Improvised Minimalism

Dave Holland – Life Cycle

Style: Chamber Jazz, Solo Cello

Vibe: Longing, Contemplative, Elegant, Focused, Introspective, Driving, Passionate, Searching

Musical Qualties: Virtuosic, Acoustic, Sparse, Instrumental, Improvisation, Dynamic, Rhythmic, Melodic

Marion Brown – Afternoon of a Georgia Faun

featuring Chick Corea, Anthony Braxton, Bennie Maupin, Andrew Cyrille, etc…

Style: Modern Creative, Avant-Garde Jazz

Vibe: Mysterious, Suspenseful, Nature, Abstract, Surreal, Kinetic, Visceral, Earthy, Swirling, Pastoral (Side A)

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Sparse, Acoustic, Atonal, Experimental Vocals, Extended Techniques, Dissonant, Percussive, Homemade Instrument

Coltrane “LIVE” at the Village Vanguard

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Modal Jazz, Post-Bop

Vibe: Searching, Communicative, Passionate, Bustling, Driving

Musical Qualities: Modal, Improvisation, Acoustic, Live Recording, Technical, Thematic, Dense

Anthony Braxton – New York, Fall 1974

Featuring Jerome Cooper, Julius Hemphill, Dave Holland, Leroy Jenkins, Kenny Wheeler…

Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Modern Creative, Post-Bop
Vibe: Knotty, Angular, Complex, Cerebral, Exploratory, Serious, Bustling (Side A), Mysterious (Side B)
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Extended Technique, Improvisation, Thematic, Instrumental

Flower / Corsano / Bejnowski – The Count Visits

Style: Free Improvisation, Noise Rock

Vibe: Cathartic, Hypnotic, Visceral, Ferocious, Aggressive, Spiritual, Intense

Other Qualities: Noisy, Collective Improvisation, Dense, Driving, Loose, Heavy

Instrumentation: Japan Banjo, Drums, Electric Bass

Brother Ah and the Sounds of Awareness – Key to Nowhere

Style: Spiritual Jazz, World Fusion, Soul Jazz

Vibe: Devotional, Communal, Flowing, Peaceful, Warm, Mysterious, Longing, Conscious, Uplifting, Cosmic, Airy, Groovy, Lush, Eclectic

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Percussive, Improvisation, Thematic, Instrumental (Except A1, B3)

Instrumentation: Flute, Harp, Electric Guitar, Mbiri, Upright Bass, Drums, Gong, French Horn, Harmonica, Berimbau, Electric Bass, Percussion

Sunburned Hand of the Man – A Grand Tour of Tunisia

Style: Free-Rock, Ritual-Psych, Group Therapy

Vibe: Meandering, Hallucinogenic, Communal, Ritualistic, Surreal, Messy, Amorphous, Mysterious, Playful, Eccentric, Tribal, Warm

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lo-fi, Loose, Percussive, Jams, Suite

Ornette Coleman – Dancing in Your Head

Style: Free Funk, Avant-Garde Jazz

Vibe: Joyful, Chaotic, Anthemic, Intertwined, Energetic, Triumphant

Musical Qualities: Thematic, Dissonant, Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Polyphonic, Repetitive

Sathima Bea Benjamin – Windsong

Personnel: Sathima Bea Benjamin – Vocals; Kenny Barron – Piano; Buster Williams – Upright Bass; Billy Higgins – Drums

Style: Vocal Jazz, Spiritual Jazz, Ballads, Traditional

Vibe: Healing, Flowing, Warm, Airy, Spiritual, Soothing, Sombre, Heartfelt, Elegant, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Intimate, Morning, Peaceful, Reflective, Rootsy, Sentimental,

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Soft, Improvisation, Slow, Polished, Lyrical, Lush

James ‘Blood’ Ulmer – Black Rock

Style: Free-Funk, Jazz Funk, Abstract Groove, Funk Rock

Vibe: Bombastic, Manic, Angular, Knotty, Confident, Energetic, Communal, Groovy

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Dissonant, Complex, Rhythmic, Dense, Technical, Group Vocals

Anteloper – Kudu

Style: Cyber-Jazz, Abstract Groove, Avant-Garde Jazz

Vibe: Futuristic, Menacing, Exploratory, Kinetic, Ominous, Spacey, Energetic, Colorful, Surreal, Suspenseful, Adventure

Musical Qualities: Duo Improvisation, Thematic, Instrumental, Electro-Acoustic, Percussive, Rhythmic, Atmospheric

Instrumentation: Trumpet, Drums, Synthesizers, Electronics

Miles Davis – Live in Tokyo 1973

Personnel: Miles Davis – Trumpet, Organ; Pete Cosey – Electric Guitar; Reggie Lucas – Electric Guitar; Al Foster – Drums; Mtume – Percussion, Michael Henderson – Electric Bass; Dave Liebman – Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute

Style: Abstract Groove, Psychedelic Jazz Fusion

Vibe: Exploratory, Powerful, Menacing, Mysterious, Serpentine, Complex, Aggressive, Bluesy, Energetic, Groovy, Psychedelic

John Coltrane – Concert in Japan

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz

Vibe: Transcendent, Intense, Passionate, Cosmic, Visceral, Powerful, Complex, Bombastic, Energetic, Chaotic

Musical Qualities: Dense, Instrumental, Acoustic, Collective Improvisation, Polyphonic, Free, Technical, Virtuosic

Tortoise & The Ex – In the Fishtank 5

Style: Experimental Rock, Noise Rock

Vibe: Angsty, Hypnotic, Muscular, Deconstructed, Anxious, Aggressive, Surreal, Moody

Musical Qualities: Noisy, Dissonant, Repetitive, Rhythmic, Improvisation, Spoken Word

Kuumba-Toudie Heath – Kawaida

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Modal Jazz, Post-Bop

Vibe: Self-Determination, Communal, Triumphant, Spiritual, Devotional, Uplifting, Conscious, Warm

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lush, Rhythmic, Acoustic, Thematic, Modal, Spoken Word, Percussive

The Art Ensemble of Chicago – We Are On the Edge

Style: Modern Creative, Chamber Jazz, Experimental Big Band, Great Black Music, Avant-Garde Classical

Vibe: Communal, Triumphant, Suspenseful, History, Eclectic, Colorful, Intricate, Ritualistic, Patient, Open, Complex, Theatric

Musical Qualities: Poly-Free Improvisation, Dynamic, Collective, Progressive Structures, Technical, Orchestral, Percussive, Reductionism, Suite, Polyphonic

Instrumentation: Trumpets, Upright Bass, Spoken Word, Operatic Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Saxophone, Cello, Violin, Viola

Bardo Pond – Adrop / Circuit VIII

Style: Free Psych, Space Rock, Shoegaze, Jam Band

Vibe: Primordial, Murky, Transcendent, Epic, Exploratory, Mysterious, Nocturnal, Hypnotic, Meandering, Cathartic, Spiritual, Psychedelic, Washy, Nocturnal, Stoned

Musical Qualities: Droney, Noisy, Suite, Dynamic, Climactic, Collective Improvisation, Riffs, Atmospheric, Repetitive

Archie Shepp – Live in San Francisco

Style: Free Jazz

Vibe: Sentimental, Heartfelt, Rebellious, Rootsy, Passionate

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Acoustic, Thematic, Spoken Word, Live Recording

Albert Ayler – Love Cry

Albert Ayler – Tenor & Alto Saxophones, Vocals
Alan Silva – Upright Bass
Milford Graves – Drums & Percussion
Call Cobbs Jr. – Harpsichord
Donald Ayler – Trumpet

Vibe: Ecstatic, Passionate, Anthemic, Energetic, Spiritual, Joyful, Deconstructed, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Acoustic, Loose, Melodic

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz

Moor Mother – Circuit City

Style:ย Future Jazz, Free Jazz Theater, Jazz Poetry

Vibe: cathartic, cerebral, dystopian, energetic, futuristic, bombastic, intense, noisy, passionate, poetic, political, powerful, rebellious, urban, heavy, AfroFuturist

Musical Attributes:ย Complex, Conceptual, Dense, Dissonant, Spoken Word, Theatric, Progressive, Polyphonic, Improvisation

Julius Hemphill – Dogon A.D.

Style: Free Jazz

Vibe: Hypnotic, Ritualistic, Driving, Intertwined, Fire, Mystical, Powerful, Complex

Musical Qualities: Ostinato, Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Acoustic, Repetitive, Polyphonic, Rhythmic

Instrumentation: Alto Saxophone, Cello, Trumpet, Drums, Flute

John Coltrane – Sun Ship

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz

Vibe: Cathartic, Transcendent, Triumphant, Passionate, Intense, Chaotic, Powerful, Adventure, Searching, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dense, Dynamic, Complex, Acoustic, Thematic, Dissonant, Technical

Sam Amidon – Sam Amidon

Style: Dream Folk, Jazz-Folk, Warped Americana

Vibes: Warm Melancholy, Springtime Reflection, Rootsy, Early Afternoons in the Garden, Dreamy, Intertwined, Heartfelt

Musical Qualities: Lush; Improvised Arrangements; Studio-as-an-Instrument, Melodic, Vocal Fx

Instrumentation: Banjo, Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Flute, Acoustic Bass, Synthesizers, Piano

John Carter – Fields

Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Country-Jazz, Jazz Theater

Vibe: Rural, Historical, Sombre, Resolute, Intertwined, Passionate, Storytelling, Determined, Resolute, Heartfelt, Complex, Theatric, Conceptual

Musical Qualities: Suite, Acoustic, Progressive, Collective Improvisation, Polyphonic, Dynamic, Technical

Pentangle – Solomon’s Seal

Style: Brit-Folk, Chamber Folk, Jazz-Folk

Vibe: Flowing, Morning, Breezy, Warm, Medieval, Sentimental, Rootsy, Mellow, Pastoral, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Traditional, Melodic, Improvisation

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitars (Fingerstyle), Vocals, Upright Bass, Sitar, Dulcimer, Banjo, Recorder, Harmonica, Electric Guitar, Drums

Sun Ra – Lanquidity [Definitive Edition]


Style: Cosmic Jazz Fusion, Avant-Garde Big Band

Vibe: Mysterious, Elegant, Hypnotic, Nocturnal, Cosmic, Futuristic, Spacey, Ethereal, Groovy, Mellow, Flowing

Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Atmospheric, Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Polyphonic, Odd Time Signatures, Melodic, Progressive

Instrumentation: Fender Rhodes, Synthesizers (Arp, Minimoog, Crumar Electronic Keyboard), Organ, Piano, Bells, electric Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Group Vocals, Trumpet, Saxophone, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Congo, Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet, Upright Bass

Miles Davis – Sorcerer

Style: Post-Bop, Modal Jazz

Vibe: Mysterious, Driving, Nocturnal, Complex, Anxious, Intertwined, Sensual, Energetic

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Modal, Acoustic, Instrumental (except B3)


Personnel:

Miles Davis – Trumpet; Herbie Hancock – Piano; Ron Carter; Upright Bass; Tony Williams – Drums; Wayne Shorter – Saxophone

COS – Cosmix

Style: Prog, Jazz Rock, Canterbury Scene, Cosmic Disco

Vibe: Triumphant, Complex, Anthemic, Groovy, Spacey, Exploratory, Energetic, Warm, Eccentric, Surreal, Playful, Adventure, Epic

Musical Qualities: Progressive, Thematic, Lush, Group Vocals, Technical, Rhythmic, Odd Time Signatures, Improvisation, Polyphonic

Instrumentation: Flute, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Horns, Synthesizer

King Khan – The Infinite Ones

Style: Psych-Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Spiritual Jazz, Afrobeat

Vibe: Sunny, Mysterious, Triumphant, Groovy, Serpentine, Psychedelic, Warm, Spiritual, Ancient, Cosmic, Eclectic, Energetic, Mystical, Retro-Futuristic

Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Percussive, Thematic, Polyphonic, Suite

Elkhorn – Elk Jam

Style: Folk Rock, Psych, Jam Band

Vibe: Scorched, Summer, Desert, Stoned, Pastoral Peaceful, Sunny, Traveling, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Instrumental, Improvisation, Fuzzy, Mellow, Riffs, Loose

Jack DeJohnette’s Directions – Untitled

Style: Progressive Jazz, Post-Bop, Jazz Fusion

Vibe: Triumphant, Pastoral, Airy, Searching, Eclectic, Mysterious, Soothing

Musical Qualities: Thematic, Improvisation, Progressive, Odd Time Signatures, Atmospheric

Maleem Mahmoud Ghania with Pharoah Sanders – The Trance of Seven Colors

Style: Gnawa, Spiritual Jazz

Vibe: Ceremonial, Hypnotic, Communal, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Uplifting, Serpentine, Warm, Desert, Tribal

Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Acoustic, Repetitive, Chants, Improvisation, Microtonal

Instrumentation: Guimbri, Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, Group Vocals, Clapping

Hermeto Pascoal – Slaves Mass

Style: Jazz Fusion, Avant-Garde Jazz, Baiรฃo

Vibe: Warm, Passionate, Spiritual, Eclectic, Groovy, Energetic, Tropical, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Complex

Sunburned Hand of the Man โ€” The Trickle-Down Theory of Lord Knows What

Style: Free-Psych, Ritual Folk, New Weird Americana

Vibe: Ceremonial, Communal, Hallucinogenic, Mysterious, Amorphous, Earthy, Cathartic, Primal, Murky, Ritualistic, Surreal

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lo-fi, Free-Form, Atmospheric, Dissonant, Group Vocals, Repetitive, Chants, Percussive

Angel Bad Dawid – Transition East

Style: Organic Beat Music, Spiritual Jazz, Cosmic Folk

Vibe: Intertwined, Hypnotic, Earthy, Warm, Spiritual, Cosmic

Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Acoustic, Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Beats

Instrumentation: Clarinet, Keyboards, Piano, Drum Machine, Percussion, Cornet, Upright Bass, Pocket Trumpet

Ornette Coleman – Body Meta

Style: Free-Funk, Avant-Garde Jazz, Jazz Fusion

Vibe: Angular, Anthemic, Manic, Kinetic, Driving, Intertwined, Chaotic, Funky, Triumphant

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Instrumental, Dissonant

Personnel:
Ornette Coleman – alto saxophone, producer; Bern Nix – Electric Guitar; Charlie Ellerbee – Electric Guitar; Jamaaladeen Tacuma – Electric Bass; Ronald Shannon Jackson – Drums

Yusef Lateef – In Nigeria

Style: Afro-Jazz, Post-Bop

Vibe: Warm, Communal, Groovy, Spiritual, Sunny, Dance

Musical Qualities: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Improvisation, Melodic

Curanderos – Curanderos

Style: Free-Psych, Spiritual Stoner Rock, Drone-Rock

Influences: Shoegaze, Spiritual Jazz, Kosmische, Prog, Drone

Vibe: Mysterious, Nocturnal, Spiritual, Exploratory, Brooding, Amorphous, Witchy, Murky, Psychedelic, Ritualistic, Washy, Hypnotic, Stoned

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Repetitive, Atmospheric, Loose, Noisy, Instrumental

Jack DeJohnette – Have You Heard?

Recorded in Tokyo with regular collaborators Gary Peacock and Benny Maupin, plus amazing local pianist Hideo Ichikawa, “Have You Heard?” is an interesting & exploratory record from master drummer Jack DeJohnette. Two shorter cuts of nocturnal modal-jazz bookend a pair of longer, abstract pieces that recall the “modern creative” improvisations coming out of Chicago.

Recommended for fans of Miles Davis’ Nefertiti as well as the works of Art Ensemble of Chicago

Sunburned Hand of the Man – Headdress

Style: Free Rock, Ritual Psych

Vibe: Communal, Mystical, Ritualistic, Meandering, Warm, Cathartic, Psychedelic, Primal, Fuzzy

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Percussive, Suite, Chants, Lo-fi, Loose, Repetitive

Dennis Wise – Wize Music

Style: Innervisionary, Psychedelic Tape Music, Ambient Dub, Future Folk, Experimental, New Age

Vibe: Alien, Mystical, Woozy, Nocturnal, Exploratory

Musical Qualities: Collage, Loops, Electro-acoustic, Percussive, Dub Fx, Dissonance

Hendrix – Band of Gypsys

Style: Acid Rock, Electric Blues, Psychedelic Funk, Fuzz-Soul

Vibe: Bluesy, Passionate, Confident, Fuzzy, Nocturnal, Sensual, Stoned, Powerful, Groovy

Musical Qualities: Live Performance, Jams, Raw, Feedback, Technical, Improvisation, Rhythmic

Elkhorn – Sun Cycle

Style: Fingerstyle Folk, Psych, American Primitive Guitar

Vibe: Pastoral, Sunny, Hypnotic, Desert, Mellow, Psychedelic, Warm, Intertwined

Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Improvisation, Acoustic

Omar Rodriguez Lopez Quintet – The Apocalypse Inside of an Orange

Style: Psychedelic Jazz Fusion, Prog, Jazz-Rock

Vibe: Psychedelic, Chaotic, Bombastic, Energetic, Groovy, Heavy, Manic

Musical Attributes: Polyphonic, Polyrhythmic, Dense, Instrumental, Odd Time Signatures, Complex, Progressive, Technical, Riffs, Improvisation, Studio-as-an-Instrument

Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Electric Bass, Saxophone, Keyboards

Beverly Glenn-Copeland

Style: Jazz-Folk, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Haunting, Passionate, Forest, Ethereal, Melancholy, Contemplative, Love, Lush

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Progressive, Improvisation

Zs – Xe

Style: Experimental Rock, Brutal Prog, Free Minimalism, Math Rock, Noise

Vibe: Hypnotic, Cold, Ritualistic, Dystopian, Mysterious, Chaotic, Surreal, Loose

Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Improvisation, Minimalistic, Noisy, Complex, Instrumental, Pulse, Uncommon Time Signatures

Instrumentation: Saxophone, Electric Guitar, Loops, Percussion

Brigitte Fontaine / Areski / Art Ensemble of Chicago – Comme รก la Radio

Style: Chanson, Chamber Jazz, Avant-Folk

Vibe: Serpentine, Nocturnal, Mysterious, Ominous, Storytelling, Suspenseful, Open, Beguiling

Musical Qualities: Spoken Word, Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Percussive

Instrumentation: Duet Vocals, Muted Trumpet, Acoustic Guitar, Bouzouki, Shenai, Oboe, Flute, Percussion, Drums, Upright Bass, Lute

Jackie O Motherfucker – Change [Tour Edition]

Style: Free Folk, Mystical Americana, Post-Rock

Vibe: Ragged, Deconstructed, Rustic, Warm, Communal, Ritualistic, Messy, Raw, Triumphant, Mystical, Eerie

Musical Qualities: Group Vocals, Collective Improvisation, Acoustic, Loose, Lo-fi

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, Vibraphone, Slide Guitar, Fiddle, Saxophone, Drums, Upright Bass

Irreversible Entanglements – Open the Gates

Style: Free Jazz, Future Jazz, Jazz Poetry, Liberation Music

Vibe: Ritualistic, Triumphant, Aquatic, Communal, Futuristic, Philosophical, Poetic, Anthemic, Cerebral, Confident, Conscious, Determined, Epic, Existential, Groovy, Healing, Heavy, Liberation, Political, Powerful, Rebellious, Evocative, Mystical, Intertwined

Musical Qualities: Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Acoustic Instrumentation, Spoken Word, Progressive Structures, Rhythmic, Polyphonic, Dynamic, Complex, Dub Fx